Tom Galli

Had my second PET scan results post surgery this week. Nothing growing or metastasised, only “persistent diffuse low-grade tracer activity max 2.2, likely post treatment changes”, and most importantly “no focal tracer avid lesion at resection bed”. My oncologists are delighted as this is as close to NED as I will get, given all the treatment I have been through (I.e. there will always be a bit of inflammation etc here and there, even if not malignant).
On top of that, my immuno-induced (?) T2 diabetes seem to be in remission after I made some diet and exercise changes, and my steroid regimen is giving me no issues
So just over two years of immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, I will now have several months with no blood tests, hospital appointments etc - all in good health and shape. I am acutely aware that this can be temporary, but rushing off for work in Indonesia, then Christmas in Denmark, and a week of sun and sand in Antigua over New Year’s.
Who’d have thought, eh? X

Hooray! Enjoy your holiday!

Looking forward to it  🍹🍹🍹

Yay for Cancun and drinks with tiny umbrellas. Enjoy!

Strangely enough we are leaving for Cancun on Saturday, Nov. 4 and upon my return my second CT scan since radiation ended in April. I would sure love to meet NED. 

Thanks Pam I'll be thinking of you for your upcoming Gama knife procedure. Fingers crossed 
Chuck

Great news Chuck….enjoy Mexico!

Chuck,
Great news!  NED is always good and worthy of a nice vacation.  Enjoy yourself.
Lou

Bridget
Thank you looking forward to relaxing ,umbrella drinks and authentic tacos

I hope you and your friend NED have a great vacation!

Well, I'm pretty appalled at your mom's treatment-- or non-treatment, as it were. It brings back my experience with my mom and dad, during the last 6 weeks of his life. They lived in a small New England town at the time and I found the medical care he received there lacking to the point of being unbelievable. 
It was not long between the time I persuaded my mom that he needed care from a major medical center to his death. Yes, the care was in place, but the cancer had progressed so quickly, all they could do was help manage his pain. That last night, every time I saw him grimace, I told the nurses I thought he was in pain. I wonder if they may have given him enough morphine to persuade his body to finally let go. 
I was glad he was finally done with all that he had been through. The surgeon called my mom after the autopsy and said they were still arguing about whether he died of renal or adrenal cancer. We didn't really care. 
You have been through a horrible ordeal. I hope you are able to find respite for your spirit and take comfort in your mom's well-lived life. 
Karen

That is too funny my fingers and toes crossed for you to meet NED soon
Take care

Chuck,
Much to celebrate in Mexico. NED is neat.
Stay the course.
Tom

Chuck,
Much to celebrate in Mexico. NED is neat.
Stay the course.
Tom

Hi everyone 
I had my ct scan done Friday last one was back in May. The results were on my chart and just now got the nerve to look at it. Still showes 9mm nodule that didn't light up 18 months ago. Oncologist said it's probably scar tissue.It also said no metastasis detected. Looks like NED to me.I see oncologist on the 9th. Going to Cancun Mexico the day after on the 10th .Should be able to enjoy myself with these results
Chuck

Devastated,
I wish I had words to comfort you. Any kind of lung cancer is misery; small cell is misery with added despair. Small cell moves fast once settled in, and the first-line treatment regimen hasn't changed for 20 years. Add your mom's age to the mix and loved ones face a nightmare.
Nearing 20 years after diagnosis with lung cancer, progressing to Stage IV after many failed treatments, I am lucky to be alive. Research created treatment advances with most forms of lung cancer but small cell remains unaffected. The only small comfort in your mom's journey is it was pain-free.
Stay the course.
Tom
 
 

Devastated daughter, I'm sorry for the loss of your mom. It sounds like she lived her life as she chose. And you supported her as her caregiver, even though you disagreed with some of her choices. Good for you both. I wish you peace and comfort.

Scanxiety is normal, Ken, even though it's not pleasant. My fingers are crossed, along with those of the rest of the gang.

Hope your scans are good Ken.

Gamma knife is great-- I know someone who has had 29 lesions obliterated. 
Still, how upsetting for you. I hope you are settling in with the new situation. 
Karen

Radiotherapy is a good bet indeed - my lung tumours and lymph nodes are all dead now, so crossing my fingers for you.
I am doing pretty great - no issues with my steroids and other ailments and slowly getting back into normal shape and life.
keep us in the loop please!

As I have small cell lung cancer no immunotherapies have been discussed with me at this point in time. Hopefully the gamma knife will take care of it. Thanks Rikke. Hope all is well with you and the hormone replacement therapy is going good.

Keep us posted, Julie. I’m sorry you’re having lots of discomfort. It really is an unpleasant experience but it does get better. Keep up your walking!

Kamoto
We are here for you my friend please keep us updated
Chuck

PTSD is a real thing with cancer survivors. And, I'm with Tom and Lou on this. 
Hang in, Kamoto. Stay warm. 
Karen